Definition of avocationnext
as in hobby
an activity outside of one's regular occupation that is engaged in primarily for pleasure photography is merely an avocation for me—I've never tried to make money off of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of avocation These avocations can take many shapes—traveling, golf, time with family, snowboarding, knitting, hunting, gardening, fishing, church choir, college football, crossword puzzles, theater, cycling, and walking. Wes Moss, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 What began as an avocation turned into a serious occupation, as Fox Solomon turned to documenting the remnants of segregation visible in Chattanooga and across the South. Christina Cacouris, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2024 Dramatically groaning and moaning about the heat in the summer is my avocation. Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2024 Wine, however, was an avocation that eventually became part of his portfolio. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 18 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for avocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avocation
Noun
  • Your personal pleasure is top of mind, making your hobbies and heart’s desires all the more meaningful.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
  • Activities, travel, family commitments, hobbies, and social events have a way of expanding to fill the space available.
    James Mayer Jr, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • The New York Knicks began their pursuit of their first title since 1973 on Wednesday night in a matchup against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
  • Israel invaded Lebanon in March in pursuit of Hezbollah, which fired across the border in support of Tehran.
    Reuters, NBC news, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • What’s more, golf is a sport famed for its adherence to tradition, and not all technological advances are permissible in competitions.
    Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 5 June 2026
  • The former Cooley High School building in West Detroit is scheduled for demolition this summer, as the school district proceeds with plans to repurpose the property for a sports complex.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • These teenagers are our children — overwhelmingly from the South and West sides, communities that are increasingly drained of safe places for them, like recreation centers, after-school programs, mental health resources and jobs.
    Desmon Yancy, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026
  • The latter is made possible by up to $650,000 in yearly matching grants from Colorado Parks & Wildlife, distributed to local and county governments, park and recreation departments, angling organizations, water districts and others.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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